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Dolphins Lean Into Youth After Upset, With Quinn Ewers Set for Another Start

Miami’s late-season youth audition now intersects with decisions on Tua Tagovailoa, Bradley Chubb’s incentives and a shifting draft slot.

Overview

  • Miami beat Tampa Bay 20-17 in Week 17 as rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers went 14-of-22 for 172 yards with two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 118.0 passer rating.
  • Rookies delivered firsts across the board, including Theo Wease Jr.’s 63-yard touchdown catch from Ewers, Jason Marshall Jr.’s first interception and Zeke Biggers’ first field-goal block, with center Andrew Meyer seeing his first NFL action.
  • Edge rusher Bradley Chubb recorded two sacks and a forced fumble, strengthening incentive triggers in his reworked deal, though some payouts hinge on Miami’s defense finishing top 20 in points allowed.
  • The win moved the Dolphins’ projected 2026 draft position to No. 11 after subsequent results, and Ewers is expected to get another evaluation start in Week 18 at New England.
  • Tua Tagovailoa’s offseason outlook remains uncertain as guaranteed money and injury history complicate trade or release options, keeping the team’s 2026 quarterback plan unresolved.